'Bob's Burgers' actor pleads guilty to interfering with police during Jan 6 riot

Hollywood actor Jay Johnston, known for his work in "Bob's Burgers" and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," pleaded guilty on Monday to a civil disorder felony related to the January 6 riot.

Johnston was arrested for his role in the Washington, D.C., last June, after video footage allegedly showed him pushing police officers protecting the United States Capitol building, and helping other rioters that attacked the officers. He is one of more than 1,400 people arrested in the riot.

An FBI affidavit also claimed Johnston signaled for rioters to come toward an entrance to the Capitol through a tunnel on the Lower West Terrace. He also allegedly held a stolen police shield above his head and passed it to other rioters, according to the Associated Press.

“The news has presented it as an attack. It actually wasn’t," Johnston wrote, according to the FBI. "Thought it kind of turned into that. It was a mess. Got maced and tear gassed and I found it quite untastic."

Johnston also recorded rioters on his cellphone as they broke through barricades, according to a court filing with the plea deal. Although Johnston pushed against police officers to enter the tunnel, he left the tunnel a few minutes later, the document claims.

The Los Angeles actor is known for playing Jimmy Pesto, a pizzeria owner, in Bob's Burgers, but has also had a minor role in "Arrested Development," and appeared on the HBO sketch comedy “Mr. Show with Bob and David."

Johnston now faces up to five years in prison for his actions, but sentencing guidelines recommend a prison sentence ranging from eight to 14 months. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is expected to sentence him on Oct. 7.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.